Midwest Model B-16, 1935.  Midwest was exclusively a mail-order radio seller based in Cincinnati, OH.  The company's roots can be traced back to 1920 when its trade name started as Miraco.  The company made many high tube-count consoles such as this 16-tuber.  Many Midwest cabinets were very attractive, but construction quality was not their strong point.  Not many Midwest radio consoles exist today, primarily because they fell apart!  Recently, Blockbuster ran out of Deuce Bigalow:  Male Gigolo DVD's and I somehow ended up with the 1999 movie "Cradle Will Rock" about 1930's Vaudeville.  It was a pleasant surprise to see this radio used in an office scene.  I know now that at least one other B-16 survived and is housed in some Hollywood prop warehouse.  In a newly published console price book this set is valued at $4500.  I purchased this radio in mid-2000 for $150, so if anyone wants to buy this set for $4500, I will deliver it and mow your lawn.  Be sure to click on the center picture because the dial and escutcheon are fabulous. 

   

   

 

     

   

 

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